**Originally Listed At $250**

East Asia, Japan, Edo Period, ca. 18th century CE. A lovely forged-iron tsuba of the maru gata type, a disc-shaped hand guard traditionally placed between the blade and handle of Japanese swords. The obverse side displays a pair of small gilded-copper birds perched atop the gate to a traditional Shinto shrine called a "torii" (literally "bird abode") in front of a tall tree and a simple wooden fence. The verso exhibits a pair of flying geese above a phytomorphic stalk sprouting up next to a bending stream. The central blade opening (Nakago-ana) is flanked by a decorative ovoid hole (Kogai Hitsu-ana). Size: 2.7" Diameter (6.9 cm).

A tsuba is the hand guard of a traditional Japanese sword, usually a katana or tachi. Its primary purposes are to balance the sword, prevent one's hand from sliding down the blade and, as a last resort, as a block against an opponent's thrust or slash. However, as time and skills developed, the tsuba evolved into an artistic item and symbol representing wealth, prestige, or skills as a swordsman. Early tsuba, known as neri tsuba, were made of leather encased in an iron or wooden frame which was occasionally lacquered for strength and stability.

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex-private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection

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#143721

Small abrasions to both faces, with hammer marks to one side of blade opening, areas of light oxidation, softening to some finer details, and fading to gilding coloration, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina throughout.